Can Cavities Cause Bad Breath?
When brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash aren’t enough to eliminate a foul smell from your mouth, you may have a cavity. But can cavities cause bad breath? And what can you do about it? In this guide, we’ll explore why cavities cause bad breath and how your dentist can help you address it.
Why do cavities cause bad breath?
Tooth decay and halitosis are closely related. Here are the underlying mechanisms that cause cavities to generate bad breath:
Trap bacteria
Once a cavity has formed in a tooth, anaerobic bacteria move in and release volatile sulfur compounds, the same gases that give rotten eggs their putrid odor. Conditions inside the cavity are ideal for microbes to reproduce and wreak havoc on the tooth’s structural integrity while constantly generating foul smells. Since your toothpaste can’t touch the bacteria in these tiny spaces, rot develops uncontrollably.
Residue from decay
Of course, those bacteria are actively decaying the surfaces of your tooth, breaking down enamel, dentin, and pulp, and leaving behind dead tissue, plaque, and tartar. Meanwhile, food residue becomes trapped in these tiny crevices, where it decomposes and serves as more fuel for those harmful microorganisms.
Infection and abscess
If left untreated, a minor cavity can become infected. Your body senses an intruder and begins to create inflammation and pus. Eventually, it forms a localized pocket of infection called an abscess.
Bad breath from an abscess is different from bad breath caused by small cavities. A dental infection tends to cause a persistent foul taste that’s particularly potent. If the abscess ruptures, you may experience a sudden foul or bitter taste in your mouth as the fluid emerges.
What are the signs of cavity-related bad breath?
So, how can you determine if the cause of your bad breath is a cavity or something else? Only a dentist or healthcare provider can rule out a cavity, but there are a few indicators that may offer clues to the source:
Persistent odor
Lingering bad breath is often the first sign that a cavity is causing your bad breath. It may improve when you brush, floss, and use mouthwash but returns quickly, sometimes within minutes or hours. This is because the odor-generating bacteria never stop eating away at your teeth.
Pain or sensitivity
Some cavities never cause pain, but those that do can serve as a major indicator of tooth decay. That’s because pain usually occurs when a cavity has reached deeper layers of tissue where nerve endings live.
Naturally, deeper decay equals more bacteria. You might experience discomfort when biting down, a sharp or lingering pain when eating, or sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks.
Visible tooth decay
While a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth can be hard to miss, early tooth decay can go unnoticed until a cavity forms, and it’s too late to cure the condition with home remedies. That said, some indicators include:
White, chalky areas of demineralization
Dark spots
Small holes or pits
A rough or uneven surface you can see and feel with your tongue
Remember, the more visible the decay, the more likely it is to be the cause of your bad breath.
How to fix bad breath caused by cavities
Unfortunately, you can’t fix a cavity on your own, but your dentist can treat cavities that cause bad breath using the following solutions:
Dental fillings
A dental filling is typically the first line of defense against cavity-related bad breath. Used for mild to moderate cavities, this treatment involves cleaning the affected tooth and removing any decay, cleaning the entire surface, and filling the pit with a specialized material that mimics the natural tooth. It’s a quick, straightforward fix that doesn’t require invasive procedures or significant discomfort.
Permanent crowns
More advanced cavities that have already weakened a tooth's structural integrity often demand more intensive remedies. Permanent crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering. However, the natural tooth must be filed down to make room for the protective prosthetic. In most cases, a temporary restoration is used until a custom crown can be created.
Improvements to oral hygiene
Although brushing and flossing won’t cure an existing cavity, a great dental hygiene routine can support your overall oral health, prevent gum disease, and help you avoid additional cavities that cause bad breath. Here’s a solid daily regimen to get you started:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss before bed each night to remove food and plaque from between your teeth
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
Limit intake of sugar and acidic foods and beverages
Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth and support saliva production
Keep your smile healthy with the team at Coral Reef Dental!
At Coral Reef Dental, your health is our top priority. We understand that cavities can cause bad breath, even with a great oral hygiene routine! Reach out to our office today to stop tooth decay in its tracks and restore your confident smile.